ALABASTER – Three ACS leaders recently completed the Alabama Superintendents Academy, topping off a year-long professional development journey that has equipped them with the skills necessary to lead at the highest levels of education.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Amanda Wilbanks, Coordinator of Secondary Exceptional Education Ms. Cynithia Booth, and Federal Programs Supervisor/District Test Coordinator Mr. Brent Byars were all part of the 2024 cohort that graduated this past summer. The Academy is a collaborative effort of the University of Alabama and the Alabama State Department of Education.
Each ACS administrator had specific, actionable takeaways from the experience.
“The University of Alabama's Superintendents Academy was a fantastic experience. The sessions were led by experts from across Alabama who offered practical strategies I can apply in my role and gave me a broader perspective on leadership,” Wilbanks said. “I especially appreciated the collaboration, which allowed for new ideas in addressing the challenges we all face in our schools, and it provided valuable relationship building with school and district leaders. I am so thankful I had this opportunity.”
Wilbanks, Byars, and Booth all noted the Academy’s remarkable ability to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the complexities of district leadership, especially regarding strategic planning, resource management, and navigating federal and state-level laws and policies.
“Our cohort was comprised of a diverse group of applicants who all have the common goal of improving educational outcomes and enhancing character development for Alabama's students.
I learned so much....so many daily challenges our superintendents face,” Booth said. “If you're an aspiring superintendent or just want to grow as a leader, apply! It's a professional opportunity that's definitely worth it!”
The year-long process included sessions on communication, public speaking, media relations, and more. These sessions reinforced the central idea that effective leadership is rooted in a clear vision prioritizing student success.
“One of the most enjoyable aspects of the program was the opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow educators and leaders from across the state,” Byars said. “Sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and brainstorming solutions with individuals who share a passion for improving our education system was incredibly inspiring. The camaraderie we built as a cohort and the relationships I was able to develop further helped me realize that leadership is not a solitary pursuit; it’s a collective effort that thrives on diverse perspectives and shared goals.”
About the Alabama Superintendents Academy:
Many Alabama systems face the real issue of finding qualified, diverse and effective school system leaders that will improve student achievement and lead Alabama public education into the next century. To address this challenge, it is the purpose of The University of Alabama Superintendents’ Academy (UASA), in collaboration with the Alabama State Department of Education, to take the best and brightest educators in school systems throughout the state and bring them together for intensive instruction and skills development utilizing the most recent research and instructional delivery technology.
The UASA is open to all resident Alabama educators who are eligible to be an elected or appointed superintendent in this state; who have demonstrated their ability to make a meaningful, positive contribution to elementary and secondary public education, and who are willing to make a commitment to complete the activities and program requirements of the UASA. Aspiring participants, through challenging programs and sessions, develop theoretical and pragmatic knowledge and skills essential for today’s administrators. The attributes developed through these interactive programs and sessions are easily transferable to real-life matters, concerns, and disputes where organizational improvement of K-12 student achievement is the goal.